African Safari Packing List – Essentials to Pack for Safari

Essentials to Pack on an East African Safari – African Safari Packing List

So you’ve spent days pouring over the best destinations and you’re excited for your first sighting of the Big Five on your Cheetah Safari adventure! we will discuss the next step which is the best African packing list, the most essentials to pack for safari in Africa.

For an amazing safari adventure, it’s also advised to know what to pack for an African Safari, and the essentials to pack.

African Safari Packing might be the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to get a good idea of the essentials to bring with you. Nothing beats preparedness! From clothes to cameras, Cheetah Safaris has you covered with what to pack on your safari.

Best Clothes for Safari – A Kenya Safari Packing Guide

Naturally, the East African landscape is somewhat warm, so be sure to bring your lightweight gear with you. Khaki pants and cotton tops are a must-have, along with cargo shorts and a few T-shirts.

The weather doesn’t differentiate between summer and winter so ensure whenever you’ve booked your trip you’re prepared for the heat! Of course, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves!

Not only is weather and comfort a factor you’ll have to take into consideration but if part of your safari includes a light aircraft flight, then a 30kg hard-shell suitcase is going to be a hindrance more than a help.

Many of our trips last days and include traveling from different locations, so a soft canvas bag would be more appropriate.

It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing that may be construed as “camouflage”. By this, we mean any form of brown/green “combat” style coloring.

Even if it is the latest fashion statement – and even if it is your 14-year-old wearing it – and even if it is just a cap.

Many African authorities have a disproportionate phobia about such garments and this could conceivably result in you being questioned or harassed by the police.

It has the potential to cause you grief, so don’t plan on packing any of these for your Kenya safari holiday.

Travel Toiletries

Toiletries can take up a lot of space and add to unnecessary baggage, so instead, why not try an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner as opposed to two full-sized bottles?

Obviously, everyday essentials include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap, but should the worst-case scenario happen, and you fall ill it always helps to have tablets and medicine for diarrhea, headaches, and some anti-sun to get rid of that sunburn!

Camera, video, and binoculars

Whilst most people will remember to take their camera and/or video cameras (or will use their mobile phone), not everyone thinks they need to take binoculars or rather add them to their Safari Packing List!

Binoculars are ESSENTIAL for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a GOOD pair of binoculars will make a BIG difference to your safari), hence an important item that should not be missed in your Safari Packing List. Although we provide most of these items, it’s good to have a pair by your side.

We strongly recommend a pair of binoculars on safari. Get the most expensive you can afford (at least 8x or better still 10x magnification). Africa is a photographer’s dream.

Not only does the boundless wildlife come in all shapes and sizes, but the continent is also blessed with stunning landscapes, colorful people, and fabulous light!

Don’t miss out. Buy a camera, if you don’t already have one.

Cheetah Safaris Packing List | What to Wear on Safari Checklist

To make the Best Safari Packing List for your safari easier, our expert guides have created the following Safari Packing List that we recommend you bring to help make your safari comfortable and memorable.

1. PACK IN A SOLID, SOFT BAG:- Easier to stack in safari jeeps and small airplanes. 15kg limit for domestic flights.
2. SUN HAT & SUNGLASSES :- Protection from the strong African sun during your game drives, safari walks, and sundowners.
3. SUN SCREEN :- To avoid being burned by the sun while out on game drives and doing safari game walks.
4. BINOCULARS :- Make sure to not miss a thing while on game drives!
5. COMFORTABLE SAFARI CLOTHES :- Avoid white because of the dust from the savannah. Long sleeves and pants are good for
   the evening to avoid mosquito bites.
6. SWEATER/FLEECE JACKET :- For chilly nights around the campfire.
7. WIND JACKET/RAINCOAT :- For the cold mornings & evenings while on safari.
8. CAMERA :- To capture the memories and experiences. Document your safari holiday easily.
9. FOOTWEAR :- Comfortable footwear for walking safaris and sandals while you are at the camp.
10. SMALL BACKPACK :- For your water bottle, binoculars, and camera while on safari
11. A GOOD BOOK :- For reading and relaxation between the adventures
12. HEAD LIGHT:- It’s always great to have – African nights are dark!
13. MOSQUITO REPELLANTS:- Protection from African mosquitos in the evenings/morning

Essential African Safari Packing List

These are the most important things to take on safari with you. You do NOT want to forget to pack these items. You won’t be going anywhere without some of them.

1. Passport with all the required visas for every country your African safari travels to and through.
2. Some cash and bank cards (Forex and/or Credit Card). You can also use e-wallet apps these days to avoid carrying cards and cash.
3. Air tickets and travel vouchers for any pre-booked safari tours.
4. Vaccination certificates (yellow fever, COVID etc) where required. Some vaccinations need to be taken well in advance (see Vaccinations needed for your African Safari)
5. Medication: malaria prophylactics if advised (see Malaria Made Simple) and any personal medication (also take your prescription in case of an emergency – your medication gets lost, wet, eaten by a baboon, etc)
6. Travel insurance policy details. Your policy number and the contact details for claims and emergencies. (Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for African safari bookings).
7. Cell phone. Most globetrotters travel with a smartphone to stay in touch with family and friends, connect to Wi-Fi, and for emergencies.
8. Copies of your important documents: as a precaution take a copy of your air tickets, travel insurance policy, vaccinations, visas, prescriptions, and passport.
9. A hard copy of your most important contact numbers in case you lose your phone.

African Safari Packing List for Women

Safari Pants

• 3 pairs of light cotton pants or pants that convert to shorts, or 3 pairs of light cotton pants and 1-2 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of long cotton pants suitable for walking in the bush
• 1 pair of jeans or other casual long pants for the evening
• 3 short sleeve shirts
• 2 long-sleeve shirts (styles with tabbed, rollable sleeves are most versatile)
• 3 cotton t-shirts
• 1 pair of lightweight hiking or walking shoes. We’re big fans of shoes like these Merrell sneakers and New Balance trail running shoes for how lightweight they are and how well they pack. In most cases, they can pull double duty as hiking/walking shoes, and casual shoes for the evening so you can save space in your luggage.
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
• 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for use in your room, at the spa, or around the pool
• 10 pairs of socks
• 10 pairs of undergarments
• 1 wide-brimmed hat, especially to wear in safari vehicles while driving in the parks, as the tops are left open for game viewing and photography
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 bandana for dust and/or cooling
• sunglasses with UV protection

African Safari Packing List for Men

Men’s Safari Packing List

• 3 pairs of light cotton pants or pants that convert to shorts
• 1 pair of long cotton pants suitable for walking in the bush
• 1 pair of jeans or other casual long pants for the evening
• 3 short sleeve shirts
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 3 cotton t-shirts
• 1 pair of lightweight hiking or walking shoes. In most cases, shoes like these Merrell sneakers will be sufficient and can pull double duty as hiking/walking shoes, and casual shoes for the evening so you can save space in your luggage. We’re also big fans of New Balance trail running shoes for how lightweight they are and how well they pack. In general, you will not need heavy footwear unless you plan to do a great deal of walking.
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
• 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for use in your room, at the spa, or around the pool
• 4 – 6 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of undergarments
• 1 wide-brimmed hat, especially to wear in safari vehicles while driving in the parks, as the tops are left open for game viewing and photography. This one packs nicely and resumes its shape!
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 bandana for dust and/or cooling
• 1 lightweight jacket or windbreaker
• sunglasses with UV protection

African Safari Clothing Tips

• Wear neutral colors and avoid black, blue, or white for the actual safaris.
• Army/camouflage print is illegal in some areas as it is associated with military teams.
• Keep your feet covered with socks and boots as they’re the most vulnerable to bug bites.
• It’s quite cold at sunrise, so bring a light jacket.
• It’s very hot during the day. Wear cool, light fabrics.
• Enjoy the hotel! A cute cocktail outfit or swimsuit for play at the hotel is all in good fun, at your disclosure.

Most Importantly Don’t Forget your Passport!

Before you set off to the airport double-check your Safari Packing List & that you have your passport, travel insurance documents, and itinerary to hand!

All that’s left to do is catch your flight and start exploring and enjoying the African Safari Holiday. If you need inspiration take a look at our private safaris in East Africa.

Get in touch in case you need help with your African Safari Packing List

For more information on any of our safaris get in touch with our dedicated team by calling us at +254780337652. and a member of Cheetah Safaris can help with your inquiry. Alternatively, contact us online and we will get back to you at a time that suits you.